Columbia College Chicago offers master's degree and graduate certificate programs in the arts, media, education, the business of the arts, and the application of the arts to healing. Students pursue advanced study in small, selective programs that are grounded in history and theory and shaped by the trends of contemporary practice. Under the guidance of award-winning faculty, students prepare to advance their careers, shape the future of their disciplines, and affect meaningful change in their communities.

Graduate Programs

For requirements and more information about these programs, visit the course catalog.

Fiction, MFA

The Master of Fine Arts in Fiction is a three-year residency program culminating in a book-length thesis. You’ll take core workshop classes and find your niche by sampling one of the largest selections of genre and specialty writing classes of any graduate program in the country.

Nonfiction, MFA

Columbia’s three-year Master of Fine Arts in Nonfiction features intensive study of nonfiction writing in the center of Chicago’s historic and lively cultural scene. It’s a small, intimate program that ensures close attention from experienced, well-published faculty as you produce a book-length manuscript to complete your degree.

Poetry, MFA

Developed by poets for poets, the Master of Fine Arts in Poetry is a small, intimate graduate experience that encompasses a wide breadth of poetic traditions. The two-year program fosters close working relationships with our accomplished, award-winning faculty and a supportive environment in which to grow as a poet and as a student of poetry.

Ready to Apply?

We’re happy you’re thinking of joining our creative community. We work hard to make our application process as simple and fast as possible, but should you run into any concerns, we're here to help at any time.